I always love to see things in their natural habitats, and it's been a dream of mine for the last few years to build a Biotope tank for my bettas.

I only have one problem:
I can't seem to find any pictures of a betta's natural habitat, and which kinds of plants (beyond rice lol) would be growing there. I know it's a blackwater habitat, and would like to follow that. I'm planning for a few smaller tanks to pull this off in, I'd like to try it in my 5.5 at first. Once I can ensure that I'm not a plant killer, I plan on upgrading the set up to my 10 also.

If I can get it down pat, then eventually, I'll set up my 50 gal in the biotope theme with a sorority.

Pictures and suggestions on the plants and other defining characteristics of the natural habitat of bettas would be appreciated.

Bettas are not only found in rice fields. They live in shallow streams. Often they get in the rice fields when they are flooded using water from these streams. Blackwater is made from an excess of leaf buildup along with decaying plant matter.

Blackwater isn't only found in the Amazon. It's any river, lake, stream, or pond that has a lot of decaying plant matter. The tannins from the driftwood or leaves turn the water into tea. The two biggest areas known for blackwater are the Amazon, and Southeast Asia. That's why IAL help the bettas.

Waterdog, your post DID give the me the idea to look up "Southeast Asian Blackwater Biotope", hopefully I can get some more conclusive information! Thanks

Creeks and streams originating from deep in the rainforest are often blackwater.
With decaying plant vegetation and few, if any, mineral sources, the water is acidic and very soft.
This environment provides a home to many species of plants and fish.

WATER:
pH 5.5-6.5, 0-4 dH, 81-84 F (27-29 C)

TANK:
The tank should be densely planted with a fine gravel or clay substrate.
Use wood to create hiding places and use peat filtration.
There should be little surface current.